A weekend in Panama City Beach: Sun, Sweets, & Gluten-Free Fumbles
- Michelle Semones
- Jul 8, 2025
- 5 min read
For Fourth of July weekend, we packed up the Subaru and made the (roughly) 3-hour drive down to one of our favorite spots—Panama City Beach, Florida—to visit a good friend and soak up some sunshine. While PCB isn’t new territory for us (we go fairly often), this trip brought some tasty new discoveries, one minor meltdown involving moldy buns, and a reminder that no matter how much you plan… gluten-free life is always an adventure.
🧯 Day 1: Kicking Off with Spicy Quesadillas
We landed in town hungry and headed straight to a spot that gave off serious Barberitos vibes but with better flavor: Diego’s Burrito Factory. The menu wasn’t labeled with gluten-free options, but after chatting with an employee, I went with a burrito bowl—chicken, rice, black beans, mango pico, onions, cilantro, and avocado. Let me tell you, it was delicious. The texture, flavor, and portion size all hit the mark.
We also ordered chips with queso and extra spicy salsa. The queso was fine but had a weird film on top I had to peel off. The salsa? Tasted like vinegar water and was left untouched.
Meanwhile, my non-celiac foodie companions, Andy (my husband) and Shane (his best friend), went for the Baja mahi tacos and spicy quesadillas. Let’s just say: clean plates = happy dudes.
Verdict on Diego’s? Customization was easy, the flavors were fire, and I didn’t get glutened—so that’s a win. Gluten-free options were limited, and accessibility was standard ADA. Outdoor seating was available but closed off due to the heat, making the inside loud—a little much for my sensory issues. Bonus points for the full bar if that’s your jam.
Overall Rating: 🐐🐐🐐🐐 - 4 out of 5 GOATs
(Lost a point for the loud environment, unlabeled menu, and that sad salsa.)
🍩 Day 2: Parlor Donuts – Sugar Rush & Sensory Chaos
If you’ve never been to Parlor Donuts, it’s worth the hype—but pro tip: download the app and order ahead. We went on July 4th and it was a full-blown sugar stampede—lines wrapping around the building, chaos galore.
Their gluten-free selection was limited to one vegan/GF donut base, but they redeem themselves with a variety of toppings. If you’re lucky, a seasonal gluten-free flavor might be available. They also have a keto option. For my neurodivergent brain, the Parlor Donuts app is a lifesaver—it lets me browse in peace and limit the chaos to just the order pick up line.
Andy and Shane tried their signature layered donuts: Chocolate Chocolate, Sandy Beach, and Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake. The first and last were the clear winners.
I went all in on the GF options:
Vanilla w/ Strawberry Shortcake – Flaky, moist, great strawberry flavor. A solid pick.
Vanilla w/ French Toast – Too sweet, crumbly, and not worth finishing.
Vanilla w/ Lemon Blueberry – My absolute favorite! Fruity, complex, and it held together like a champ. Sadly, it's seasonal.
Overall Rating: 🐐🐐🐐🐐 - 4 out of 5 GOATs
(Minus a point for the chaotic dining area and nightmare parking situation, especially if you’re using a mobility aid. Indoor accessibility was fine, but beware the blocked exits if the drive-thru line backs up.)
🐟 Schooners on the Beach: Safe, Scenic, & Celiac-Approved
No beach trip is complete without salty air and seafood. After some ocean time, we got hungry and hit up Schooners, a touristy spot with a killer view and—surprise!—a surprisingly gluten-free friendly menu.
Our server, Cassie, totally nailed it. She let me know that some unlabeled items could be modified, and that the kitchen uses separate prep areas, utensils, and pans to prevent cross-contamination. Cue angels singing.😇😇😇😇
Andy and Shane had Tuna BLTs and Grouper sandwiches. I went for the smoked tuna dip, served with a sealed bag of Tostitos to avoid fryer contamination. I also sipped on a Sunset Splash—a sweet and delicious tropical drink with gluten-free spirits that turned down my social anxiety from an 11 to about a 6. Flavor-wise, the dip was creamy with just a touch of smoke.
Overall Rating: 🐐🐐🐐🐐 - 4 out of 5 GOATs
(Point deducted only for the loudness and slightly tricky access if you’re coming up from the beach with a wheelchair. Parking lot side is your best bet.)
🍔 The Cookout: Scallops, Sub Rolls & a Hot Dog Hiccup
What’s the Fourth of July without a backyard cookout? We grilled by the pool—burgers, scallops, and hot dogs. I came prepared with my own butter, garlic, lemon juice, and GF snacks... or so I thought.
Turns out, the local store was not ready for me. The only GF hamburger buns were moldy, and there were zero hot dog buns. Rookie mistake. Thankfully, I snagged Canyon Bakehouse sub rolls, which worked in a pinch. Burgers went bunless (wrapped in lettuce), and the scallops sizzled in a separate skillet.
Overall Rating: 🐐🐐🐐🐐 - 4 out of 5 GOATs
Lesson Learned: Always pack your gluten-free staples. Just because there’s a Publix nearby doesn’t mean it’ll have what you need.
Final Thoughts from The Peachy GOAT
The last day we sadly packed up, gave Shane & Nova some hugs, and headed back home. I did some reflection on the weekend's events on our drive home (Andy says that I was just sleeping in the passenger's seat). Panama City Beach brought the sun, the food, and just the right amount of chaos—my perfect recipe for summer fun. Whether it was finding hidden gems like the lemon blueberry GF donut or improvising with lettuce wraps, this trip reminded me that traveling with food allergies and chronic illness is totally doable—and still full of joy, flavor, and flexibility.
-🍑🐐🧳
Visit any of the Peachy Goat Traveler's socials to see my short list with links of Amazon Must-Haves for Beach Trips with Food Allergies or Mobility Challenges.
Got a favorite beach destination with allergy-friendly eats? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for my next GOAT getaway.
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